James C. Balserak - BBA, LMSW, IECMH-E

"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are." - Carl Jung

I’m So happy to have you here. wherever you came from, and wherever you’re going.

I want you to know a little about me.

My name is James Balserak, and I’m a Licensed Master of Social Work in the state of Tennessee. I received my undergraduate degree from Belmont University, where I studied Music Business with a Production emphasis. After writing, performing, and recording music with various artists and projects for over a decade, I discovered a calling to connect with others in another meaningful way— psychotherapy. I returned to school during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, and graduated from The University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work with a Master’s degree in Social Work, and a specialization in Trauma and Severe Mental Illness.

While I still enjoy writing, recording, and performing music, I also enjoy completing clinical hours in pursuit of my goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, back-country backpacking with my rescue pup Mira, and traveling the country in my self-converted camper van.

My Approach and Philosophy

I work with clients primarily through a holistic lens, and utilize interventions informed by motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and somatic therapies like Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy. This means I will ask you questions to learn more about you, your lifestyle, culture, and worldview so that I can help you build on your strengths in a way that might help you develop the way you think about yourself, the people in your day to day life, and any problems you may encounter.

I also like to learn about the way you face challenges, in the hope of developing exercises that may assist you in facing adversity with more confidence. I work closely with my clinical supervisor, so if we run into any territory in our work together that I don’t have direct experience with, I won’t be guessing— I will go to them for advice, and will likely be sharing details about our sessions with them as well. Confidentiality is of extreme importance to the work we will do together, so unless you give explicit written consent, or are an immediate danger to yourself or others, everything we discuss in sessions will be kept completely private.

Specializations and Populations

I have worked with individuals ranging from early childhood to late adulthood, and have loved every bit of the work. The bulk of my studies and experience involve engaging with individuals who have suffered complex/developmental trauma, severe trauma, grief, loss, and severe and persistent mental illness. I am endorsed by The Association of Infant Mental Health in Tennessee as an Infant and Early Childhood Professional, which I find invaluable in guiding my work with adults as well as children. I work exceptionally well with transitionary-aged people with a history of domestic or sexually violent behaviors. Whether you feel stuck, scared, or just want to bounce ideas about your life off with an unbiased someone, I’m willing and able to help.

My Mission

My ultimate goal is to help you feel like you’re able to understand yourself and the world around you a bit better so that you feel you’re able to empower yourself to live a more congruent life, all on your own.

Please realize that I will be asking you a lot of questions as I get to know you, and understand your concerns and strengths. Everyone has different reactions to being asked questions. If I ask you any questions that seem odd or off base to you, please feel free to tell me.